Air Quality Panel Highlights Gurugram's Failures in Combating Dust Pollution

Air quality panel flags significant lapses in Gurugram's anti-dust measures, impacting air quality.

Photo by Chris LeBoutillier

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has identified significant lapses in Gurugram's efforts to control dust pollution, a major contributor to poor air quality. During inspections, CAQM found high violations, particularly regarding construction and demolition (C&D) waste management and road dust control.

The report revealed that 25% of the inspected sites had "very poor" or "severe" anti-dust measures. This highlights a persistent issue in urban areas where construction activities and inadequate road maintenance exacerbate air pollution, despite existing regulations.

मुख्य तथ्य

CAQM flagged lapses in Gurugram's anti-dust measures

25% of inspected sites had 'very poor' or 'severe' anti-dust measures

Violations in C&D waste management and road dust control

UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

Role and mandate of environmental regulatory bodies (CAQM, CPCB, SPCBs)

Sources and impacts of air pollution (PM2.5, PM10, C&D waste, road dust)

Environmental governance and policy implementation challenges

Sustainable urban development and waste management

Constitutional provisions and legal frameworks for environmental protection

दृश्य सामग्री

Gurugram's Air Quality Challenge in NCR

This map highlights Gurugram's location within the National Capital Region (NCR), a key jurisdiction for the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Gurugram's recent failures in combating dust pollution underscore the persistent environmental challenges in rapidly urbanizing areas within the NCR.

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📍Gurugram📍Delhi

और जानकारी

पृष्ठभूमि

Air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), is a critical environmental and public health challenge in Indian urban centers. Sources include vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, biomass burning, and significant contributions from construction and demolition (C&D) activities and road dust. Various governmental bodies and legal frameworks have been established over the decades to address this, including the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was established in 2021 to specifically address air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas. Recent inspections by CAQM in Gurugram have revealed significant non-compliance with anti-dust pollution norms, especially concerning C&D waste management and road dust control. This highlights a persistent gap between policy formulation and on-ground implementation, leading to continued poor air quality despite existing regulations and dedicated institutions.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. With reference to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas, consider the following statements: 1. The CAQM was established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to consolidate all existing air pollution control bodies. 2. It has jurisdiction over the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas, superseding the powers of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) in matters of air quality management in these regions. 3. The Commission is solely responsible for monitoring air quality and does not have powers to enforce measures or impose penalties for non-compliance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. The CAQM was established by an Ordinance in 2020, which was later replaced by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. It is a standalone act, not established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, though it works in consonance with existing environmental laws. Statement 2 is correct. The CAQM Act, 2021, grants the Commission significant powers to coordinate, research, identify, and resolve problems of air quality in the NCR and adjoining areas, effectively superseding the jurisdiction of CPCB and SPCBs in this specific domain. Statement 3 is incorrect. The CAQM has extensive powers, including issuing directions, imposing penalties, and taking measures to prevent, control, and abate air pollution. It can even impose a fine of up to Rs. 1 crore and imprisonment up to 5 years for non-compliance.

2. In the context of urban air pollution, which of the following statements regarding particulate matter and its sources is/are correct? 1. Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles with diameters generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. 2. Construction and Demolition (C&D) activities are significant sources of both PM2.5 and PM10, contributing to urban air pollution. 3. Road dust, primarily composed of re-suspended soil particles, vehicle exhaust, and tire wear, is a major contributor to PM10 levels in urban areas. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

Statement 1 is correct. PM2.5 are fine particles that pose the greatest health risks due to their ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream. Statement 2 is correct. C&D activities generate a substantial amount of dust, including both coarser PM10 and finer PM2.5 particles, through processes like excavation, crushing, and demolition. Statement 3 is correct. Road dust is a complex mixture and a major non-exhaust source of particulate matter, especially PM10, in urban environments, exacerbated by vehicle movement on unpaved or poorly maintained roads.

3. Consider the following statements regarding India's initiatives for air quality management: 1. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to achieve a 20% to 30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, with 2017 as the base year. 2. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) based on the severity of air pollution levels, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 3. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, provides for the establishment of Central and State Pollution Control Boards to prevent, control, and abate air pollution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

Statement 1 is correct. NCAP was launched in 2019 with the stated goal of reducing particulate matter concentration by 20-30% by 2024, using 2017 as the base year. Statement 2 is correct. GRAP is an emergency action plan implemented in the NCR to tackle severe air pollution episodes. It was initially notified by MoEFCC and is now enforced by CAQM based on pollution levels. Statement 3 is correct. The Air Act of 1981 is a foundational legislation that led to the creation of CPCB and SPCBs, empowering them to monitor and regulate air pollution.